Southampton have signed Japanese right-back Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar for a reported £6million.
Sugawara joined AZ from Nagoya Grampus in 2019 and made over 200 appearances for the Eredivisie side.
The 24-year-old is the latest at St Mary’s as the Saints prepare to return to life in the Premier League after defeating Leeds in the Championship play-off final.
Sugawara joins the likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Nathan Wood, Ronnie Edwards and Adam Lallana as part of Russell Martin’s squad.
He told the club’s website: “Coming to Southampton and playing in the Premier League has been one of my biggest dreams since I was young, so I’m really happy to be here.
“Last summer I played against Southampton in the pre-season. I felt Southampton played very good football with the ball; they didn’t play long balls, only short balls, they played smart.
“I saw that Southampton is a really good team. When Southampton made me an offer, I said yes in a second.”
Yuki is RED ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ggH2XlIpCF
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 14, 2024
Martin added: “Yuki is a player we have been looking at for a long time and he was our first target in his position.
“He comes at an older age than most games that are already at a high level, including a wealth of European experience. He is a talented footballer with a good mind, and a character we think will be very popular with his teammates.
“You can see his passion and his determination to do well – he is very excited to play for Southampton, not just in the Premier League.”
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